Strange dagger ... can someone ID?

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by fernando

Hi Gene, much obliged for your input.



Late XVIII century suits me good. I allways fall for antiquity, before all other considerations.
But this ambiguity of the provenance being Southern European in general or Spanish but also possibly Italian, is a saga for my demanding (read maniac) character. I already have to deal with the Iberian number, due to my geographical context, which is itself an invoice, on what touches provenance specifity.
But well, you can't win them all

Thanks again
Fernando

I think this is a very interesting piece Fernando.
We've seen other daggers of this general type discussed recently, with the carved upper blade section, but the carving is always just a decorative element.
Yours has made me wonder if the 'ring' is actually a practical innovation.

I know I do tend to 'mentally wander off' a bit when it comes to these discussions, but see what you think of these ideas.

Could the ring be for extra grip when drawing the knife?
In recent years some designs for 'fighting knives' have included a finger-ring inbetween the blade and hilt.

Also, if we assume this is a knife that amongst its many uses includes stabbing with the intention of killing (I know that sounds obvious, but lets think of the context of stabbing to the throat/kidney or other 'fatal' areas) then think of the evolution of the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife and the inital alleged 'problems' with the smoother handle patterns not providing enough grip to pull the knife back out when covered in blood and fighting the suction of the wound, could the 'ring' be to allow a finger or even the end of your thumb to make sure your grip didn't slip?

Its very interesting if possible.

Regards
Gene